Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 26-30, 2026

South Rim Water Update: Conservation Remains Essential

Grand Canyon National Park continues to make progress toward restoring its South Rim water system while maintaining Stage 4 water restrictions. Current average water use is approximately 175,000 gallons per day, with a target to stay below 180,000 gallons per day. Water storage tank levels are currently at 16.10 feet. Community members are encouraged to continue conserving water to help maintain adequate storage.

Water hauling continues to supplement the South Rim supply. The previous contractor completed its contract after delivering approximately 4.72 million gallons over 25 days. A new contract is scheduled to begin Nov. 2, with an initial 500,000 gallons of water expected. Hauling will temporarily pause over the weekend during the contractor transition. The water source, sanitation methods and testing procedures will remain unchanged.

Residents may also notice water discharging near the Market, along South Entrance Road and near the railroad tracks. This is raw, untreated water from the new Bright Angel Creek intake being discharged during treatment plant testing. This water is not treated drinking water.

The park will continue monitoring water use and tank levels, with updates shared at least weekly through this newsletter and more frequently as needed. Community members should continue following Stage 4 restrictions and report water-related concerns through established reporting channels. Conservation remains essential as the park works toward restoring its water system.

Share Your Feedback and Find Resources

Do you have feedback about the current water situation or suggestions for how the park can improve its response? Please share your input through thiscommunity feedback form.

Visit the Bright Angel Community Recovery Resources website for information about water delivery events, household conservation tips, remaining potable water tank locations and other resources.

Matt Jenkins, NPS North Rim Manager, received the Grand Canyon Trust’s 2026 Outstanding Partner of the Year Award on Oct. 15 during a celebration at the Trust in Flagstaff. The award recognizes his dedication to Grand Canyon National Park’s resources and his collaboration with the Trust.

Matt has worked closely with Trust staff and volunteers on North Rim recovery efforts, joining volunteer trips to discuss ongoing renovations and infrastructure development. He also helped remove burned and damaged fencing, working alongside volunteers in the field. Beyond these efforts, Matt is collaborating with Trust staff to ensure intertribal coalitions are included in North Rim restoration discussions and planning.

Matt’s commitment to community collaboration and bringing people together around shared goals has made a lasting impression. One volunteer described working with him as the highlight of their volunteer experience this year. His leadership, kindness and dedication to on-the-ground restoration reflect the value of strong partnerships in supporting the park’s resources and recovery. Congrats, Matt!

Grand Canyon Community Veterans Invited to Join Veterans Day Photo

Grand Canyon National Park is expanding its annual Veterans Day photo tradition to include veterans from across the Grand Canyon community. NPS employees, concession employees, partner organizations, local organizations and other community members who have served in the military are invited to gather for a group photo recognizing their service.

The photo will be taken at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Mather Point Amphitheater (located to the east of Mather Point). Grand Canyon National Park plans to share the photo on social media for Veterans Day the following week, recognizing veterans and the many people and organizations that make up the Grand Canyon community.

Participants are welcome to wear their current work uniforms, including NPS uniforms, if they have them. Civilian attire is also welcome. Please share this invitation with other veterans in the Grand Canyon community who may wish to participate!

Election Day Voting on Tuesday, Nov. 3

The 2026 General Election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3. Grand Canyon community members can cast their ballots at the Shrine of the Ages, Precinct 59, on Election Day.

Voters registered in Coconino County may vote at their designated precinct polling place or any available Vote Center. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

For current polling locations and additional information, visit the Coconino County Elections website or call 928-679-7860.

GCC Community Dinners, Movie Night and Holiday Open House

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is hosting several upcoming events to bring Grand Canyon community members together for food, conversation, and connection during a challenging time for the park and its residents.

Community Dinner Tonight — Thursday, Oct. 29

Join neighbors for a community dinner at Big E Spaghetti Western in Tusayan from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone in the Grand Canyon community is welcome to attend. Xanterra is providing complimentary shuttle service between Maswik and dinner locations, beginning at 5:15 p.m. and departing every 30 minutes through 7:45 p.m. The last return shuttle leaves at 8:15 p.m.

Movie Night — Thursday, Nov. 5

Join the community at the Grand Canyon IMAX for a free screening of Out There: A National Parks Story, a 75-minute film, followed by a question-and-answer session with filmmaker Brendan Hall. Doors open at 6:10 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:30 p.m. A hot dog and nacho bar, sweets and drinks will be provided. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Community Winter Open House and Holiday Concert — Thursday, Dec. 3

The community winter open house returns to the Visitor Center Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening begins with a concert featuring Grand Canyon schoolchildren at 6 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The GCC Visitor Center store will host a community event featuring a 30% discount, an Angel Tree raffle, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Additional community dinners are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, and Monday, Nov. 16. These events offer opportunities to share a meal, connect with neighbors, and support one another. For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Bake Sale for Grand Canyon Youth River Trip – Oct. 30

Grand Canyon High School students are holding a bake sale fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the South Rim General Store. Donations will help support the annual Grand Canyon Youth River Trip which helps high school students explore and learn about the Colorado River, make friends, and create unforgettable memories.

More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon School Halloween Carnival – Oct. 30

The Grand Canyon School will be hosting its annual Halloween Carnival on Friday, Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Grand Canyon School.

There will be a haunted house, activity booths, food, games, and a costume contest. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Trick-or-Treating – Oct. 31

Local trick-or-treating will occur on Park Circle on Saturday, Oct. 31. As in previous years, NPS Rangers will be present in and around Park Circle.

Park Circle will be closed to all non-residential traffic and suggested hours are from 4:30-7 p.m.for all trick-or-treating activities. These hours are suggested in order to ensure resident’s and children’s safety in periods of low light or darkness.

A full flyer for the event can be found here.

Tusayan Trunk or Treat – Oct. 31

Join the annual Tusayan Trunk or Treat event in front of the Fire Station, located between Wendy’s and the IMAX. Sponsored by the Town of Tusayan and the Tusayan Fire District, this gathering invites everyone to pull out their costumes and come by from 5-7 p.m. for treats, games, and prizes!

For more information, please see the attached flyer here.

Halloween Monster Mash Fundraiser – Oct. 31

Join Juniper Hill Music for the Halloween Monster Mash on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Squire Pub.

This free-entry event is a fundraiser for the eighth-grade Washington, D.C., trip and features live music, costume contests, prizes and a 50/50 raffle. The kids’ costume contest begins at 8 p.m., followed by the adult costume contest at 9 p.m. Come enjoy a festive evening while supporting local students!

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Rec Center Announces November Calendar of Events

There’s something for everyone at the Grand Canyon Rec Center this November! From fitness classes and group trips to clubs and community activities, the month is packed with opportunities to get active, learn something new, and connect with others. And don’t miss a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 25 starting at 1 p.m.

In response to the ongoing water shortage, Flagstaff shopping trips are free for the community through the end of November.

View the full November Calendar of Events here.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court and Pizza Pub: CLOSED
• Bright Angel Fountain: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant: Breakfast 8:30-11 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner: CLOSED
• Fred Harvey Tavern: CLOSED
• Arizona Steakhouse, Dinner 5-8:30 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge: CLOSED
• The Grand Canyon Kennel: CLOSED

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall: CLOSED
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio: CLOSED
• Coffee Shop: CLOSED
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Deli: CLOSED
• Desert Drifter Kitchen and Provisions (food truck): located at Market Plaza: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Camper Services: CLOSED
• Trailer Village: CLOSED

Other

• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 5 days a week, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures bike rentals and cafe: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Kolb Studio, Verkamps, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Grand Canyon Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., CLOSED Saturday and Sunday
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Fall Shuttle Bus Schedule (Sep. 12-Nov. 30, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7, and 8 a.m.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with last stair access at 4 p.m.
• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop: CLOSED
• The Desert View Market & Deli: CLOSED
• Desert View Gas Station & Service Station Retail: CLOSED, 24-hour pay-at-the-pump access

North Rim

• Access to the North Rim open through Nov. 30, 2026 or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first
• The Cape Royal and Point Imperial Roads CLOSED through Nov. 3 for roadwork

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Sunrise on Oct. 28, 2026 near Yavapai Point (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Water usage graphic (NPS File/C. Kraus)
• Matt Jenkins, North Rim Unit Manager (NPS Photo)
• Flag flying over Grand Canyon (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• A striped skunk spotted at Desert View this week (Photo courtesy of W. McCrady)

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